Swarmport Agent Based Model Description and Documentation

The SWARMPORT project modeled the infrastructure and the nautical services chain of the Port of Rotterdam as an Agent-based Simulation Model (ABSM). This ABSM can be used in scenario-wise studies on the effect of alternative behavior of stakeholders in the nautical services chain and its impact on a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the port. The Port Authority can use the developed modelling capabilities together with scenario studies to assess the effects of changes on port performance further extending their Decision Support System. Can complexity theory support decision making in the Port of Rotterdam? The main question at the start of this research project was: Can complexity theory be used to describe and model the port nautical chain processes to support decision making at the Port of Rotterdam? The port nautical chain is a multi-stakeholder system where minor alterations in actor behavior can have a significant impact on the system performance. The general port performance is an important factor for port attractiveness and therefore essential for the Port of Rotterdam in the competing with the other ports in the range Hamburg-Le-Havre of deep sea ports. The developed simulation model shows that with an agent-based approach a first version (a proof of the concept) of a decision support model can be developed. However, further research and development of the model is required to increase realism of the modeling implementation of the nautical chain processes at the port of Rotterdam.